Peace has come to stay: President Kiir’s full speech at VPs inauguration
Episode 1156, Feb 22, 2020, 03:38 PM
South Sudan witnessed history on February 22, 2020 with the inauguration of the new Presidency, in a move that is widely anticipated to end more than six years of conflict.
President Salva Kiir witnessed the moment at a ceremony at the State House in the capital, Juba.
Leader of the SPLM-IO Dr Riek Machar took his oath as First Vice President alongside the other four Deputies, James Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior; wife of founding father - John Garang.
In a speech laden with optimism, President Salva Kiir welcomed his former foe, now ally, Dr. Machar to the new unity government, and struck a tone of deep reconciliation when he asked for his forgiveness.
“I have forgiven my brother and FVP Riek Machar. I also ask for his forgiveness,” said Kiir.
The President thanked regional and international partners for their ‘enduring’ patience and officially declared and end to war.
“Peace has come to stay not to be shaken ever again in this nation,” he said.
We bring you President Kiir’s full 15” speech.